The Kiwanis Club of La Cañada recently held its 71st annual installation, via Zoom, celebrating the incoming 2020-21 officers and directors. On Wednesday, Sept. 30 the gavel was “virtually” passed to new Kiwanis President Dennis Fors from Immediate Past President Michael Freed.

The master of ceremonies was Kiwanis Club of LC board member Dr. Michael Leininger who did a superb job at the noontime festivities attended by nearly 50 members and guests. Everyone was in high spirits as the past officers and directors were congratulated on a job well done.

In addition, Fors recognized two club members with special awards. The 2019-20 Gil Smith Award was presented to Sky Sprowles for his exemplary work in keeping members connected and informed through a weekly “newsletter.” The 2019-20 Rookie of the Year Award went to Georgina Mueller for outstanding leadership and service as a new member by coordinating care packages to nursing home patients early in the pandemic and a complimentary weekly pizza provided by Stella’s Pizza in La Cañada to a deserving club member.

The Kiwanis tradition of the retirement of the outgoing officers and the board was made by 2019-20 Kiwanis Division 3 Past Lt. Governor Jose Sierra. The formal installation of the incoming officers and directors was officiated by 2020-21 Kiwanis Division 3 Lt. Governor Tina Tabora-Lim who inducted the officers and directors:

President Dennis Fors; Immediate Past President Michael Freed; President-Elect Terry Piasky; Vice President Trish McRae; Secretary Sky Sprowles; Treasurer Farhad Motia.  Directors: Greg Brown, Carl Christensen, Diane Della Valle, Patrick Liddell, Alice Perez, Joe Radabaugh, Matt Regan, Gigi Schlueter and Terry Walker.

“A constant comment I hear from Club visitors and new members is the great camaraderie they find here – even in a Zoom meeting,” said Fors. “We bring together people from a variety of backgrounds, including political and religious persuasions, and create a real sense of community. This is a time of opportunity and need to which we must rise. The social, mental, emotional and physical health of our kids was already subjected to the effects of social media, only to be exacerbated by COVID-19. I believe that Kiwanis can help our youth reach their best potential by sponsoring and promoting programs, such as the Builders’ Club, Key Club, our Scout troop and baseball team. Also, our literacy efforts, like the TERRIFIC Kids programs, scholarships, student trips when they’re available, and more can help encourage our youth to reach their highest potential.”

To help in this endeavor, Fors has created three task forces to stay relevant and energize the Club in fundraising, service and membership recruitment.

“We are blessed to have some individuals of incredible talent, commitment and experience to work on each of these task forces,” he said. “So take your vitamins and fasten your seat belts. I invite you all to dive into this new Kiwanis year with enthusiasm, optimism and teamwork, thereby revitalizing our club and community. Let’s make 2020-21 the best year yet for La Cañada Kiwanis.”

A native of La Cañada, Fors has been volunteering since his youth. In fact, by becoming president of the Kiwanis Club of LC, he’s come full circle. When he was a student at La Cañada High School, Fors was a Key Club member – the group sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of LC. He joined the Kiwanis Club of LC in 2017, and his talents were quickly put to work by being elected to the board of directors and moving up the ranks, most recently serving as interim president.

Fors also brings extensive business experience to the Kiwanis. He retired in 2016 after a 37-year career in banking. His career highlights included banking several of the Southland’s premier companies and managing groups of high-performing professionals.

He is a lifelong scouter, serving in a variety of positions from Cubmaster to president of the Verdugo Hills Council where he was heralded with the Silver Beaver Award for lifetime distinguished service. The San Gabriel Valley Council also recognized Fors with the Baden Powell Award for creating and running a Cub Scout pack for minority youth in Altadena.

Fors and his wife Linda have four children (all LCHS grads) and 12 grandchildren.

Those interested in getting to know more about the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada are cordially invited to attend a Zoom meeting held every Wednesday at noon that features the guest speaker-of-the week program. To receive a private invitation to join the Zoom meeting, visit the La Cañada Kiwanis Facebook page and leave a note in the comment section.